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another friday afternoon hairbrain scheme

another friday afternoon hairbrain scheme

2002-04-05 by Sikorsky

hello all,

something occured to me - if i had a pair of old MOTM850s, how could i build
an adaptor to use them as theremin controllers..?
easy / difficult / worthy of a stooge panel..?

cheers
paul b

Re: [motm] another friday afternoon hairbrain scheme

2002-04-05 by J. Larry Hendry

----- Original Message -----
Show quoted textHide quoted text
From: Sikorsky <vulture.squadron@...>
something occured to me - if i had a pair of old MOTM850s,
 how could i build an adaptor to use them as theremin controllers..?
easy / difficult / worthy of a stooge panel..?
cheers
paul b

--LH--
The short answer is no.  But, if you were looking to do something along the
lines of a "Theremin-like" device (the one actually used by the Beach Boys
in good vibrations), you could.  Here is a link to a modern version of what
has been loosely dubbed a "Tannerin" because the original one was built for
the Beach Boys by Paul Tanner (I think I have the name right)
http://www.prismnet.com/~tpolk/music/music.html  Tom Built the modern one
that Brian Wilson is/was using currently.

I have spoken (e-mail) with Tom several times about making a kit for this
controller.  He is a busy guy and has never made the commitment to make that
happen.   But, as you can see, you are essentially controlling two pots.
One for pitch (the slide along the top) and one for volume (out of site on
the side I think).  If someone wanted to DIY the box with the two pots,
certainly a couple of pedal interfaces would be all the electronics you
needed (as opposed to the self contained device Tom built).

Clearly, the challenges are in the smooth slide operation of the arm that
controls the pot, and to design the mechanics to produce a linear keyboard.
What really appealed to me about this idea is that one could have multiple
keyboards or indicating devices with various scales printed and swap them at
will.  Since the controller is continuous, the number of different tunings
is limited only by your imagination of drawing the appropriate stop points
for your slide pointer to point at.  We need someone good with wood (hint,
hint DH) to design and build these for us.

But, for Theremin control, Harry Bissell's pitch to CV PCB has got to be the
way to go.  This was adapted from the Moog schematic (with permission) that
comes with the Etherwave for CV outs for pitch and volume.  I am ashamed to
say I have had one of the PCBs for over a year and have done nothing with
it.

Larry H

Re: [motm] another friday afternoon hairbrain scheme

2002-04-05 by Sikorsky

hello all,

actually, it also occured to me that my original posting was complete bollox
i just got this idea that it might be a workable solution

still - we could always paste bits of 2" magnetic tape to old records, hook
up a couple of contacts, and put that through the 850 instead
a half inch length of 2" tape measures 148k ohms / twelve inch length 760k

heheh
the sooner i finish these iomega jaz to cdrom transfers the better...

cheers
paul b

RE: [motm] another friday afternoon hairbrain scheme

2002-04-05 by Les Mizzell

Have you seen this?

http://infusionsystems.com/products/slide.html

Sensing parameter  contact position (single-axis)
Sensing method  resistive
Range  165 mm (6.49")
Output resistance  approx. 20 KOhm (no force applied), 0 - 3 KOhm when
moving from one end to the other


Would this work for a ribbon type controller as well?

Les Mizzell

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Did you ever walk into a room
and forget why you walked in?
I think that's how dogs spend
their lives." -- Sue Murphy
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Show quoted textHide quoted text
> -----Original Message-----
> From: J. Larry Hendry [mailto:jlarryh@...]
> Sent: Friday, April 05, 2002 1:28 PM
> To: MOTM List
> Subject: Re: [motm] another friday afternoon hairbrain scheme
>
>
> Speaking of ideas and pedal interfaces, I got a super idea from Al Wagner
> for mini ribbons  (say 2-3 inches long) that I could make with my copper
> mesh quickly.  Maybe a small walnut wood base to attach to your favorite
> spot.  No electronics, just hook it to the pedal interface just like a
> pedal.
> I'll try to whip up the proto in the next week or so (gotta do the taxes
> first).
> Larry
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Sikorsky <vulture.squadron@...>
> To: MOTM List <motm@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Friday, April 05, 2002 11:17 AM
> Subject: Re: [motm] another friday afternoon hairbrain scheme
>
>
> hello all,
>
> actually, it also occured to me that my original posting was
> complete bollox
> i just got this idea that it might be a workable solution
>
> still - we could always paste bits of 2" magnetic tape to old
> records, hook
> up a couple of contacts, and put that through the 850 instead
> a half inch length of 2" tape measures 148k ohms / twelve inch length 760k
>
> heheh
> the sooner i finish these iomega jaz to cdrom transfers the better...
>
> cheers
> paul b
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>

RE: [motm] OT - Soundtracs Topaz Project 8 (32x8x2) on Ebay

2002-04-05 by Tony Karavidas

My Soundtracs Topaz Project 8 (32x8x2) is up for sale:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=856100726

It's in perfect condition; it just takes up more room than I can allocate to
it now.

Thanks,
Tony Karavidas
Encore Electronics

http://www.EncoreElectronics.com

Designers of "The best MIDI to CV converter on the planet." -Keyboard Oct.
1997

Re: [motm] another friday afternoon hairbrain scheme

2002-04-05 by J. Larry Hendry

Speaking of ideas and pedal interfaces, I got a super idea from Al Wagner
for mini ribbons  (say 2-3 inches long) that I could make with my copper
mesh quickly.  Maybe a small walnut wood base to attach to your favorite
spot.  No electronics, just hook it to the pedal interface just like a
pedal.
I'll try to whip up the proto in the next week or so (gotta do the taxes
first).
Larry
Show quoted textHide quoted text
----- Original Message -----
From: Sikorsky <vulture.squadron@...>
To: MOTM List <motm@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, April 05, 2002 11:17 AM
Subject: Re: [motm] another friday afternoon hairbrain scheme


hello all,

actually, it also occured to me that my original posting was complete bollox
i just got this idea that it might be a workable solution

still - we could always paste bits of 2" magnetic tape to old records, hook
up a couple of contacts, and put that through the 850 instead
a half inch length of 2" tape measures 148k ohms / twelve inch length 760k

heheh
the sooner i finish these iomega jaz to cdrom transfers the better...

cheers
paul b






Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Re: [motm] another friday afternoon hairbrain scheme

2002-04-05 by J. Larry Hendry

Cool, I sent for more information.
Larry
Show quoted textHide quoted text
----- Original Message -----
From: Les Mizzell <lesmizz@...>
To: J. Larry Hendry <jlarryh@...>; MOTM List <motm@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, April 05, 2002 11:22 AM
Subject: RE: [motm] another friday afternoon hairbrain scheme



Have you seen this?

http://infusionsystems.com/products/slide.html

Sensing parameter  contact position (single-axis)
Sensing method  resistive
Range  165 mm (6.49")
Output resistance  approx. 20 KOhm (no force applied), 0 - 3 KOhm when
moving from one end to the other


Would this work for a ribbon type controller as well?

Les Mizzell

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Did you ever walk into a room
and forget why you walked in?
I think that's how dogs spend
their lives." -- Sue Murphy
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


> -----Original Message-----
> From: J. Larry Hendry [mailto:jlarryh@...]
> Sent: Friday, April 05, 2002 1:28 PM
> To: MOTM List
> Subject: Re: [motm] another friday afternoon hairbrain scheme
>
>
> Speaking of ideas and pedal interfaces, I got a super idea from Al Wagner
> for mini ribbons  (say 2-3 inches long) that I could make with my copper
> mesh quickly.  Maybe a small walnut wood base to attach to your favorite
> spot.  No electronics, just hook it to the pedal interface just like a
> pedal.
> I'll try to whip up the proto in the next week or so (gotta do the taxes
> first).
> Larry
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Sikorsky <vulture.squadron@...>
> To: MOTM List <motm@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Friday, April 05, 2002 11:17 AM
> Subject: Re: [motm] another friday afternoon hairbrain scheme
>
>
> hello all,
>
> actually, it also occured to me that my original posting was
> complete bollox
> i just got this idea that it might be a workable solution
>
> still - we could always paste bits of 2" magnetic tape to old
> records, hook
> up a couple of contacts, and put that through the 850 instead
> a half inch length of 2" tape measures 148k ohms / twelve inch length 760k
>
> heheh
> the sooner i finish these iomega jaz to cdrom transfers the better...
>
> cheers
> paul b
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>





Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Re: [motm] another friday afternoon hairbrain scheme

2002-04-05 by sikorsky

hello all,

so leading on from this - say i had an LDR attached to an 850 interface, the
LDR is being, erm, modulated by a small candle flickering but the voltage
swing is too minute to be useful...
...so does anyone know of a DC voltage expander, or indeed
compressor/limiter that can be used in much the same way you use an audio
expander/compressor/limiter..?

cheers
paul b (at it again)

Re: [motm] another friday afternoon hairbrain scheme

2002-04-05 by Dave Hylander

Sound like you've been having a fun afternoon, while I've battling a Cognex 
vison inspection system for clear plastics.  I've been thinking about using 
a 6 inch or so linear pot for something like this.  Probably more money 
than most would want to spend, but I can take one from work to play with.

Hint taken Larry:)

At 10:46 AM 4/5/2002 -0600, J. Larry Hendry wrote:
>Clearly, the challenges are in the smooth slide operation of the arm that
>controls the pot, and to design the mechanics to produce a linear keyboard.
>What really appealed to me about this idea is that one could have multiple
>keyboards or indicating devices with various scales printed and swap them at
>will.  Since the controller is continuous, the number of different tunings
>is limited only by your imagination of drawing the appropriate stop points
>for your slide pointer to point at.  We need someone good with wood (hint,
>hint DH) to design and build these for us.

-dave-

http://www.hylander.com

Re: [motm] another friday afternoon hairbrain scheme

2002-04-06 by J. Larry Hendry

Dave, I can say without reservation I would buy one of these if you made it.
It could be offered two ways. One with just the pots so you hook it to one
or two 850s and off you go and also another with the all the electronics
inside that has CV out for pitch and volume and gate.  I would be happy to
do the "electronics" part.  I really like the Tom Polk designs with the
keyboard overlays that can be replaced.

The 1/2 circle thing on the Carlos page was interesting, and probably easier
mechanically to build.  However, I like the flat surface idea better.  One
of the things I liked about it was the volume lever on the side instead of a
knob to turn.  I think the spring return idea was pretty cool.  I would want
a way to over-ride the return to zero.  And something maybe a little better
than a rubber band for the spring return

Oh, and the hand on the slide ought to have the ability to tap gates with
one of the loose fingers.

Crazy Larry
Show quoted textHide quoted text
----- Original Message -----
From: Dave Hylander <david@...>
To: J. Larry Hendry <jlarryh@...>; Sikorsky
<vulture.squadron@...>
Cc: MOTM List <motm@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, April 05, 2002 5:06 PM
Subject: Re: [motm] another friday afternoon hairbrain scheme


Sound like you've been having a fun afternoon, while I've battling a Cognex
vison inspection system for clear plastics.  I've been thinking about using
a 6 inch or so linear pot for something like this.  Probably more money
than most would want to spend, but I can take one from work to play with.

Hint taken Larry:)

At 10:46 AM 4/5/2002 -0600, J. Larry Hendry wrote:
>Clearly, the challenges are in the smooth slide operation of the arm that
>controls the pot, and to design the mechanics to produce a linear keyboard.
>What really appealed to me about this idea is that one could have multiple
>keyboards or indicating devices with various scales printed and swap them
at
>will.  Since the controller is continuous, the number of different tunings
>is limited only by your imagination of drawing the appropriate stop points
>for your slide pointer to point at.  We need someone good with wood (hint,
>hint DH) to design and build these for us.

-dave-

http://www.hylander.com

Re: [motm] another friday afternoon hairbrain scheme

2002-04-06 by Dave Hylander

Sound like you've been having a fun afternoon, while I've battling a Cognex 
vison inspection system for clear plastics.  I've been thinking about using 
a 6 inch or so linear pot for something like this.  Probably more money 
than most would want to spend, but I can take one from work to play with.

Hint taken Larry:)

At 10:46 AM 4/5/2002 -0600, J. Larry Hendry wrote:
>Clearly, the challenges are in the smooth slide operation of the arm that
>controls the pot, and to design the mechanics to produce a linear keyboard.
>What really appealed to me about this idea is that one could have multiple
>keyboards or indicating devices with various scales printed and swap them at
>will.  Since the controller is continuous, the number of different tunings
>is limited only by your imagination of drawing the appropriate stop points
>for your slide pointer to point at.  We need someone good with wood (hint,
>hint DH) to design and build these for us.

-dave-

http://www.hylander.com

Re: [motm] another friday afternoon hairbrain scheme

2002-04-06 by Scott Evans, Gen Mgr

I rather liked the "remake" of the Ondes Martenot on the Analogue
Systems site that Les Mizzell mentioned a week ago. It has a keyboard
and a ring just in front of the keys, into which you would slide a thumb
or finger. Really pricey, but looks interesting. URL is below for anyone
who missed the post.

The Tom Polk designs are also interesting, especially the prospect of a
kit version for about $200. This seems quite inexpensive, considering
the materials involved. I rather doubt it can be offered at this price.

Scott

http://www.analoguesystems.co.uk/Reviews/fconnection_review.htm

"J. Larry Hendry" wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
> 
> Dave, I can say without reservation I would buy one of these if you made it.
> It could be offered two ways. One with just the pots so you hook it to one
> or two 850s and off you go and also another with the all the electronics
> inside that has CV out for pitch and volume and gate.  I would be happy to
> do the "electronics" part.  I really like the Tom Polk designs with the
> keyboard overlays that can be replaced.
> 
> The 1/2 circle thing on the Carlos page was interesting, and probably easier
> mechanically to build.  However, I like the flat surface idea better.  One
> of the things I liked about it was the volume lever on the side instead of a
> knob to turn.  I think the spring return idea was pretty cool.  I would want
> a way to over-ride the return to zero.  And something maybe a little better
> than a rubber band for the spring return
> 
> Oh, and the hand on the slide ought to have the ability to tap gates with
> one of the loose fingers.
> 
> Crazy Larry
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Dave Hylander <david@...>
> To: J. Larry Hendry <jlarryh@...>; Sikorsky
> <vulture.squadron@...>
> Cc: MOTM List <motm@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Friday, April 05, 2002 5:06 PM
> Subject: Re: [motm] another friday afternoon hairbrain scheme
> 
> Sound like you've been having a fun afternoon, while I've battling a Cognex
> vison inspection system for clear plastics.  I've been thinking about using
> a 6 inch or so linear pot for something like this.  Probably more money
> than most would want to spend, but I can take one from work to play with.
> 
> Hint taken Larry:)
> 
> At 10:46 AM 4/5/2002 -0600, J. Larry Hendry wrote:
> >Clearly, the challenges are in the smooth slide operation of the arm that
> >controls the pot, and to design the mechanics to produce a linear keyboard.
> >What really appealed to me about this idea is that one could have multiple
> >keyboards or indicating devices with various scales printed and swap them
> at
> >will.  Since the controller is continuous, the number of different tunings
> >is limited only by your imagination of drawing the appropriate stop points
> >for your slide pointer to point at.  We need someone good with wood (hint,
> >hint DH) to design and build these for us.
> 
> -dave-
> 
> http://www.hylander.com
> 
> 
> 
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

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